The Duskbloods Network Tests: Players Say It Feels Like Bloodborne, Runs Rough
Early network tests for FromSoftware’s upcoming action title The Duskbloods have already sparked a wave of first-impression posts, with players zeroing in on two things above all: how strongly it evokes Bloodborne in feel, and how rough the performance can be during the current build. Alongside the familiar gothic vibe, multiple testers also raised concerns about resolution/framerate behavior and some matchmaking friction—though most agree the game is visually striking and full of variety once fights start.
Release window, platforms, and test context
| Item | Reported detail from the test impressions |
|---|---|
| Game | The Duskbloods |
| Platform focus | Developed exclusively for Switch 2 |
| Build being tested | Not the final version; changes are expected before launch |
| Test timeframe | Network tests have started, generating early social reactions |
Players say it plays “like Bloodborne”—but performance is struggling
The most repeated takeaway is that The Duskbloods feels very close to Bloodborne once you’re in motion and engaging enemies. Multiple testers describe the game’s core feel as having “Bloodborne essence,” and one reaction even frames it as the immediate thought of “Bloodborne 2.”
However, the praise doesn’t come without a major caveat: performance. Testers were not aligned on exact targets, but they broadly agree the frame pacing and overall output are not at the level you’d hope for in a final release.
- One player said the game’s performance “leaves something to be desired” at times.
- Another described it as if it were running around 720p at 30 FPS (not confirmed—presented as personal perception).
- A third suggested it was closer to a 40–50 FPS range in their case.
Together, those impressions paint a picture of a title that may feel familiar in style and combat rhythm, but whose technical stability is still in flux during testing.
Art direction stands out, while mobility and PvP-friendly energy draw interest
On the positive side, all three highlighted the presentation. The artistic direction was repeatedly described as “exquisite,” matching what players expected from the game’s earlier reveal material.
Beyond visuals, players also discussed what makes fights feel distinct. One tester praised the roster of characters as both “fun” and highly varied, and they singled out the summons/invocations as a similarly diverse system. They also emphasized how unique the overall experience feels compared to anything else they’ve played.
For players specifically looking for online combat, one of the clearest conclusions was that Souls fans who enjoy PvP may be the best fit for what The Duskbloods is aiming to deliver.
Not everyone is convinced: triple-jump criticism and matchmaking delays
While some viewers are excited by the chaotic, fast-paced combat, others are less impressed—especially when it comes to how the game’s mechanics map to the Souls-like identity.
One tester was notably critical, arguing that using Souls-style gameplay in this context feels wrong. They pointed to the triple-jump feature as a signal that the game resembles something closer to a modded version of a different formula.
Another player focused on online friction instead of movement design. They said matchmaking can sometimes take a long time, and they floated the idea that a mini map would be helpful. Even with those issues, they still found the characters enjoyable and the summons varied.
What this adds up to: a non-traditional FromSoftware experience in the making
These reactions can’t yet be treated as final conclusions. The impressions are coming from a test build, not the finished version, and performance may change before launch—especially since the game is being developed exclusively for Switch 2, where reaching specific resolution and framerate targets will be a major part of the conversation.
Still, the overlap in feedback is hard to ignore. The game is repeatedly described as frantic, packed with action on screen, and built around high mobility and a rapid tempo. The same players who recognize those strengths also keep returning to the technical question of what the Switch 2 version will ultimately lock in.
In other words: the positive signals are clear—Bloodborne-like essence, standout art direction, and engaging gameplay shaped by character variety and combat chaos. But multiple testers also suggest The Duskbloods is not aiming to be a “classic” Souls experience. If you go in with expectations closer to Nightreign, the feedback implies you’ll likely be closer to what the game is trying to do.
